What Does Real Independence Mean?

Today, the word “independence” is everywhere in reference to independent countries, republics, and the media. We hear it from all sides of conflicts, from the right and the left, from individuals and nations alike. Independence has become a universal ideal. Yet few realize that the real meaning of independence is the very opposite of what the world understands.

So, what does real independence mean?

In common discourse, independence means guarding one’s borders, asserting one’s right to live without interference, and having the ability to construct one’s own world. But this is an illusion. In today’s reality, everyone depends on everyone else. No one can live in isolation. If we seek complete independence, we would have to escape into the wilderness and survive on our own. But even then, we would only condemn ourselves to a life of hardship.

The idea that “no one dictates to me how to live” also collapses under scrutiny. How would we create or maintain this independence without the cooperation of others? It is impossible. In the modern world, a country can only thrive when it is connected to others by positive, mutually beneficial ties. Otherwise, it faces isolation, humiliation, and decline.

We might insist on demanding independence, but the real demand must be directed inward, to ourselves. Only if we can build positive human connections, peace, and mutual assistance contrary to our egoistic nature, can real independence arise.

Today, every connection between countries, every alliance, is formed not out of genuine goodwill but out of self-interest. Each side tries to benefit itself at the expense of others. We cannot create anything purely beneficial for all while remaining enslaved to our egoism—our self-aimed desires to enjoy at others’ expense.

The wisdom of Kabbalah defines real independence as liberation from our egoism. Independence does not mean thinking about ourselves and our gain. It means rising above our nature and thinking about others. In building positive relationships with others, in our moves to care for others with all of our strength, we discover real independence.

But should we not think about ourselves at all? No, we should not. We already exist as a result of others’ attitudes toward us. Our well-being is a consequence of the connections we build with others. Our first thought should not be about how others treat us, but about how we can care for them.

Of course, in today’s world, this seems impossible. If we treat others well, they might exploit us, tear us apart, and leave us with nothing. Our society, after all, is built on predation, not mutual care. That is why the solution to this predicament is not simply personal goodwill but a collective transformation of human nature.

Is this vision realistic? By ourselves, no. Human beings alone cannot change their nature. But when we realize that no other solution exists, when we recognize the dead end of our egoism, we will awaken a new force within nature, that of bestowal, connection, and love, which can lift us above ourselves.

If we do not undergo this change, we are doomed to ever-increasing suffering: wars, devastation, and generational decline. The choice is whether we continue down the path of destruction or open ourselves to the help that nature itself offers.

Ultimately, we will come to this understanding, even if it feels like being skinned alive, because overcoming our ego feels like death to it. Still, there is a peaceful and conscious way forward. By studying our nature and the greater force of nature that can correct us, we can place ourselves under its influence and let it transform us from small, cruel predators into great and kind beings.

We are currently developing toward this realization, but through hardship. Yet I see hope. Today, both positive and negative forces are becoming clearer. Opportunities to speak openly, to awaken hearts, are emerging. We are beginning, however faintly, to gain a glimpse of the system of forces that governs us.

I trust that we can formalize this knowledge, understand it, and act on it. Otherwise, we will still arrive at the same conclusion, but only after unspeakable suffering. We do not need to plunge into the abyss completely. It is enough to see it from afar and to be frightened enough to change course. I hope that we will find the wisdom to do so.

Based on KabTV’s “News with Michael Laitman” 5/3/22. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.

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